The Society invites proposals for presentations examining the lives and contributions of Civil War-era women at local, regional and national levels. Proposals for presentations regarding all relevant topics which further our knowledge and understanding of these women, to include the life-styles, milieu, material culture, arts and skills of the mid-nineteenth century, will be welcomed for consideration. Topics which address the lives of women – Confederate, Unionist and/or neutral - in the American West are particularly welcome for this conference.
 

Mara Wagner and her children, Galveston, Texas, 1863
DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University

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Potential speakers should submit by electronic means:

• A synopsis of the presentation, of at least one (1) page, but not more than three (3) pages. The synopsis must indicate why the presentation is relevant to the conference. It must also include a description of visual and physical aids used to illustrate and highlight the presentation, and specify the technology required to use the aids.
• A bibliography of the sources used, with an emphasis on the primary sources.
• A personal biography of not more than two (2) pages, including a listing of credentials, prior presentations (if any), publications (if any), and contact information. Links to online presentations made previously are considered quite useful. This should not be construed to discourage amateur historians or first-time presenters.

Presentation Requirements:

• To the fullest extent possible, the use of quality graphics and images are encouraged.
• Presentations should be of approximately one-hour, followed by a 15-minute Question and Answer period.
• If the proposal is selected, the slides for the presentation should be prepared and submitted in PowerPoint.

Submissions will be evaluated principally upon the following criteria:

• Originality of the topic.
• Relevancy of the topic to the lives and efforts of women during the Civil War era and its aftermath.
• Quality of research, particularly the use of primary sources.
• Quality of the presentation, including the use of visual aids.
• Presentation ability of the speaker.
• Anticipated attendee interest level for the topic.

Presentation submission indicates willingness to speak
if selected by the SWCW conference committee.
 

Those chosen to make presentations will receive complimentary conference participation, including access to conference presentations, field trips, displays, social events and meals. Complimentary lodging for the Friday and Saturday night of the conference will be provided for speakers. Speakers will also benefit from conference and general publicity provided by SWCW and its partner organizations. Those selected who have published books on Civil War-era and women's history subjects are invited to set up tables for book sales and signings – without fee. Speakers will also be provided with a one-year courtesy membership in SWCW for the following year. Speakers are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the conference.